Playing Rules - Bronco National Division (Ages 9-10)

Updated Friday March 29, 2019 by Raymond Almeida Jr.

1. Games are played on a field where the bases are separated by a distance of 65 feet. The pitching rubber shall be positioned at 46 feet from home plate for the National Division. The regulation length of games is 6 innings.

2. Teams shall use a rotating batting order in both Bronco Divisions.

3. Teams are permitted to freely substitute players in defensive positions, regardless of their positions in the batting order, as long as they fulfill all mandatory minimum playing regulations.

4. Pitchers are permitted to pitch in no more than 6 innings in one game in the National Division. A player pitching in 4 or more innings in one calendar day shall not be permitted to pitch in the next calendar day.

5. During a calendar week in which a team is scheduled to play 2 games, pitchers are permitted to pitch no more than 6 innings, respectively to National, for that week. During a calendar week in which a team is scheduled to play 3 games, pitchers are permitted to pitch in no more than 9 innings for that week.

6. In both Bronco Divisions pitchers are not allowed to return as pitchers in any game in which they are removed from that position.

7. Balks shall be enforced in all games in the Bronco National Division. The umpire will give one warning per pitcher for a declared balk. Second and subsequent declared balks for the same pitcher will be enforced.

8. All players present at any game that extends to its regulation length or beyond shall be required to play one complete inning in an infield position. The Catcher shall be defined as an infield position. Team managers shall not be obligated to enforce this regulation for one game per each player absence from a team activity (practices or games). Failure to adhere to this regulation shall result in game forfeiture upon proper protest by an opposing team.

9. In legal games during which one or both teams field 8 players, the team / teams will not receive an out for only batting 8 players. Should a player be injured, ejected, or have an illness and leave the game, the game will continue and the affected team can either take an out for the player during their turn in the order or forfeit the game. The opposing team is only required to allow one fielder to fill in for the lack of players on the affected team which may be fielding a team with only two outfielders.

10. Leading and Stealing is permitted in the National Division.

11. Bunting is permitted in the National Division. However, slash bunting is not allowed. If an umpire deems a bunt as a slash bunt, the player will be warned for the first attempt. Any subsequent slash bunt will be deemed an out.

12. The infield fly rule is in effect and does apply for the National Division.

13. There is no run limit per team per inning. A mercy rule is in effect for a team leading by 10 or more runs. This applies after four innings of play in which the home team will not have to take their fifth inning at bats if there are leading during such time.

14.  A game that has reached 4 complete innings shall be considered complete in the event that a game is called early as a result of the above.